Leonard Bernstein titled a book "The Joy Of Music". The first time I attended a New York Pops concert with Steven Reineke at the helm that's the first thing I thought of. By the time the last note was played I realized the Pops new music director was much more than that. Steven also represents The Joy Of Life. Then, Steven met Eric, an equivalently matched person with whom to travel on life's journey. Then, Eric and Steven planned a wedding. It was six hours of the joy of life and music with a roomful of people who this couple shared it all with. Ann Hampton Callaway who officiated, will have a hard time turning down requests to do likewise for other couples. Her words and music must have been created in heaven as she shepherded all in attendance during the emotional and fun filled ceremony. One of the most heartwarming times was when Steven and Eric's wedding rings were passed among the assembled, so that friends and relatives could all symbolically be touched by them and by each other. By the time Ann asked us all to hug a person near us, probably everyone was glad that tears don't leave a stain.

Then came the party! If you've been to a New York Pops Concert you are aware of the quality of the performers, the music, and the jubilation that occurs in Carnegie Hall during the 2 1/2 hours. Triple it and you get some idea of what it was like to be present at this wedding and dinner which was held in The Riverside Church, an equally magnificent architectural structure. They didn't break a glass at the end of the wedding ceremony as in my tribes tradition, but this event certainly broke the record for occasions that symbolize The Joy Of Life".

Steven and Eric requested on the Wedding Invitation that wedding gifts should be a donation to the New York PopsEd.

About Author

Stephen is also the cabaret/ music and co-theatre editor of the Times Square Chronicles. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music. Besides being a pianist, Stephen���s business career was in the Fashion Industry. He was CEO of a textile manufacturing facility and President of an international textile machinery company. Stephen was on the Board of Directors of the ���First All Children���s Theatre��� which brought the Stephen Schwartz musical The Trip and Captain Louie to the Kennedy Center in Wash DC. His wife Eda, an interior space designer and classical pianist was on the Board of Barrington Stage Company and is still active at BSC. Stephen���s photographs, videos and articles appear on Broadwayworld.com, T2Conline.com and The New York Observer. He is active in the entertainment events at the Friars Club, where he is a member. email: stephen@t2conline.com